Jo lives in Dalston, arguably the coolest part of Hackney, East London. She’s originally from Lancashire in Northern England, but loves this part of the capital for its relaxed vibe and the fact that you can find everything you need here, in abundance. When she’s not at work as a fashion talent director – basically getting people their dream jobs – she’s hitting up her neighborhood’s best cafes and stores.
Part of our Five Reasons series, here you’ll find the most local of tips – from unique hotels to small businesses and secret spots (we trust you to keep these on the DL). Because, we firmly believe there’s no better way to get to know a place than when guided by someone who knows it best.
Read on for Jo’s favorite places to eat, drink, stay, and shop in Hackney, East London.
First, Casa Fofō – it’s right on my street and has an awesome and very accessible tasting menu with a killer wine list. I also spend a lot of time in Del74, for the best tacos in London, along with amazing pitchers of margaritas. Also, Pophams Bakery is a real gem in Hackney – I’d travel across town for their marmite, cheese and spring onion pastry is one of the most delicious things I’ve ever eaten; they also flip into a pasta restaurant in the evening.
The hotel
Just beyond Hackney (if we’re being strict about it), The Hoxton, Shoreditch is the original in the hotel group. I take clients for breakfast, which I love because I can take my dog, too. They also have an amazing rooftop restaurant that’s great in summer.
The Hoxton, Shoreditch
The store
Blue Mountain School. It’s beyond a store – it’s an exhibition space, you can find mind-blowing fragrances, get bespoke furniture and buy one-off pieces.
Work out with Hackney’s most hench at Barbers Gym. It’s the ultimate combination of specialist and accessible. If you want to learn how to lift weights, this is your place.
The culture
I love Victoria Miro Gallery, for the exhibitions, and also the building – it’s in one of Hackney’s former furniture factories, which makes for a great space to showcase art.
Lilly Alice was born in Germany, but now splits her time between London and Berlin – while fitting in as much travel as she can in between. As a top fashion PR, she partnered with the likes of Paul Smith, Selfridges, Stella McCartney and Adidas, before building her own equally impressive list of clients as freelance consultant.
In 2020, she put all of this expertise into practise, combining her love of travel and fashion to launch her brand Vicious Eyewear. Her sunglasses have featured in Vogue Italia, while her personal Instagram following has grown to almost 100k. Her feed features fashion parties, Ibizan beaches, Berlin sunsets and her Russian Toy dog Heidi, who of course has her own account, too.
Part of our Insiders series, this is your window into the worlds of the coolest people in Safara’s network. These are the contacts we’d hit up for travel inspiration, whether it’s a hotel recommendation, a new track for our in-transit playlist, the best mini-products to pack, or just to daydream about where we’d open a boutique island hotel (this changes with each Insider guide we read – we’re easily and happily influenced).
All of the above have a super chilled vibe, but still maintain great service. Town Hall Hotel is my favorite – I used to book a room there every once in a while, even though my flat was only a five-minute walk away.
Soho House Berlin. Image via Cntraveller.com
What hotel room design element can you not live without?
A master switch by the bed.
You travel a lot for work, was this something you were seeking in a career? How do you make it as relaxing and fun as possible?
I never thought I would have the opportunity to travel so much, I didn’t really plan it. What I did plan is to run my own business and work as a freelancer, to be able to all have all the freedom in the world. I think the best thing is that I now know so many great people all over the planet, so whenever I travel, I will try to meet up with friends and get to know a new city that way.
Image via Town Hall Hotel
What three songs are on your OOO playlist?
Parallaxis, by Traumprinz. Beach Side, by Kanedo. And Your Eyes, by Julein Collet and Jakob Oschmann.
Best travel advice you’ve ever received?
From my mum: “The only thing you will ever need is a credit card.”
Do you have any tips or tricks for beating the dreaded jet lag?
I don’t, but if someone does, please tell me!
What is your favorite travel book or magazine?
I love Suitcase magazine – it has amazing tips on what to pack and where to travel. It also has a super cool look.
What’s your go-to travel outfit?
A nice tracksuit in black, with easy trainers in a cool colour, no jewelry.
If you could quit your job and follow the Mamma Mia dream (ie. open a small hotel in another country or on a remote island), where would you do it?
Holbox, Mexico.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve purchased abroad and brought home (or tried to carry-on) from your travels?
A dog.
Lilly’s dog, Heidi
You have an hour to spare at the airport. What would you do?
Deanne Moser is the founder of DM Public, Canada’s only cultural communications firm that inspires connections between people, ideas and places in the arts space. She is also a board member for Luminato Festival Toronto, Co-Chair for the Art Gallery of Ontario young patron fundraiser, and a committee member for Canadian Art Foundation and Art Toronto Opening Night.
Given all of the above, it’s clear she knows her home city like the back of her hand. From the Toronto artists to get to know before you go, to where to find the best fried chicken when you’re there, this is the kind of insight that only a local expert can give. Thank you Deanne!
What do you love most about living in Toronto?
Toronto is the largest city in Canada and is proudly home to some of the most talented, beautiful and diverse people you will ever meet. We’ve got the NBA Champions; a creative hub called Hxouse founded by The Weeknd’s Ahmed Ismail and La Mar Taylor; a huge international film festival; an all-night free public art exhibition that brings out over a million people; a crazy big and good vibe Caribbean festival; a guy named Drake; and so many talents that will change the game on an international level. There is so much momentum in this city and it feels like we are just getting started.
Dundas West, Toronto
What’s your favorite part of the city?
I might be biased, but it’s my neighborhood, West Queen West and Dundas West. It’s home to cool local boutiques like 100% Silk, VSP, and Saudade. Plus, the iconic Drake Hotel, which essentially birthed the west-end vibe. There’s everything from dive bars to outstanding diverse cuisine. And we have the best city park, Trinity Bellwoods, which is the place to hang out in the summer.
La Banane, where you’ll find the best fried chicken in Toronto. Unlike so many restaurants that try to incorporate art, co-owner Sarah Keenlyside is a genius, and has beautiful pieces from artists including Douglas Coupland in her collection.
La Banane
Top thing to do in Toronto?
Go to the AGO, even if it’s just to step inside the amazing Frank Gehry building. Then, walk around Kensington Market, a beautiful hippy-like area that feels like a blast from the 60s. It also has the best summer Sunday’s bar called Cold Tea.
Your go-to fitness class?
6IX Cycle on Queen West. Pro-tip, book Julie or Calvin’s class.
Favorite bar in Toronto?
Bar Raval. It’s been around for a minute, but the design and cocktails can’t be beaten.
Bar Raval
And of course, art galleries?
Copper Cole – the most LA/NYC of the Toronto galleries.
Toronto has had a huge influx of top international hotels like The Ace, The Hudson, The W, The Andaz, and The 1Hotel. But, if you want to stay local, rest your head at The Drake Hotel in the West or The Broadview in East. Both have everything you need to make a work or play trip very fun.
Drake Hotel
Which Toronto artists should we get to know before we go?
So many, but here are a few of my favorites – Canadian artists are so much more than landscape painters!
Alex McLeod – he is doing mad digital works, concerned with simulation and the transition of matter.
Maya Fuhr – a photographer that has an incredible editorial eye, she examines the relationship with textiles of dresses as meaning-making.
Rajni Perera – she uses her work to address gender submission as a way to reclaim personal power.
Tau Lewis – a rising global star, using reclaimed objects for sculpture to tell her diasporic story.
Kent Monkman – looks at historical Western European and American stories and disrupts the narrative with provocative interventions.
Ashley Ellis is a writer, filmmaker, creative, social impact designer and PhD candidate. If that doesn’t say “modern day Renaissance woman”, we don’t know what does. Having written for publications including Gopher Illustrated, Pyragraph, Bitch Flicks, Afrobougee and more, we are pretty sure she could write this intro way better than we can.
Though she spent years in Los Angeles, Ashley now calls Cape Town home and is currently teaching and working towards her PhD in film studies there. She has co-created films for some of the world’s most progressive institutions such as TED, XPrize, The American Heart Association and The Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art (to name a few). Always on the lookout for new inspiration and subject matter for her next film, Ashley likes to travel often and explore well.
Part of our Insiders series, this is your window into the worlds of the coolest people in Safara’s network. These are the contacts we’d hit up for travel inspiration, whether it’s a hotel recommendation, a new track for our in-transit playlist, the best mini-products to pack, or just to daydream about where we’d open a boutique island hotel (this changes with each Insider guide we read – we’re easily and happily influenced).
I have had so many wonderful international experiences with travel lodgings, from backpacker places to 5-star hotels, that it’s nearly impossible to answer this question. In Los Angeles, where I lived throughout my twenties, boutique hotels are a part of the social space. The three where I’ve spent the most time hanging out are The Line Hotel, The Standard DTLA, and Chateau Marmont. I’ve had daily work meet-ups, partied, planned a film production, and watched Trump get elected at these hotels. These places signal that I’m home.
Dream places to visit as a filmmaker?
As a filmmaker, I’m inspired by locations that can themselves become characters. I dream about visiting and shooting in places like Timbuktu, Mali; Chefchaouen, Morocco; Lake Retba, Senegal; or the Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana.
Where would you go for a digital detox or just generally to get off the grid?
You travel a lot for work, was this something you were seeking in a career? How do you make it as relaxing and fun as possible?
Yes, it was something that I was seeking and it took me years to set up in a way that made sense for my overall growth. I believe that we manifest the things we set our minds on. Once I decided that travel is an important aspect of my life, I started actively looking for jobs and developing projects that would allow me the opportunity to experience new places. Eventually, a project idea became worthy of PhD research, and that’s what brought me to Cape Town (but only because I dared to look far and wide for the right institutional home). The more I travel, the more I build relationships with people in my industry all over the world, and these connections naturally bring me more travel/work opportunities.
How do I make traveling relaxing and fun? I think it’s all about just embracing the place I’m in without expecting that I’ll always be comfortable in a new place or on the go. I just breathe in the air and observe my surroundings, and soon enough I settle in or find some place or thing worth exploring. And a good book helps me to unwind in pretty much any circumstance.
What do you always bring with you in your carry-on?
Pretty standard: Passport. Wallet. House keys. Laptop. Cell phone. Chargers. Adapters. A book or 2. My Belkin mini book light. Glasses. Tooth nrush. Disposable face wipes. Clean underwear! And anything and everything else that will fit, because I’m kind of crazy about having access to my stuff.
If you could swap suitcases with anyone in the world at baggage claim, who would it be?
Anna Wintour. Her clothes and shoes wouldn’t fit, but that seems like a gamble no matter who you pick. However, she probably has some designer travel accessories that I really need in my life.
Have you or would you travel alone?
Yes and yes. It’s the perfect opportunity to spend some time in your own head and reorganize everything that’s in there. I’m also much more likely to write, which I never seem to find time for during my life with the people I love.
Best travel advice you’ve ever received?
“Always travel with cash, and store small amounts in different places in your belongings.” – my Mom
Lost luggage, or lost phone?
Luggage! Everything can be sorted with a phone.
In-flight cocktail?
Yes. Well, red wine. Then, I’ll either write or sleep.
Born, raised and educated in South Africa, Nikki Brand is a multi-disciplinary creative based in Los Angeles. For the past 10 years, Nikki has worked developing culturally and socially respected international brands. Her portfolio includes restaurants like De Maria, which won an award for the aesthetic she helped build; some of our favorite hotels, like Maderas Village and Urban Cowboy; and large scale projects like The Platform in LA. She is also the creative force behind the Stella Spoils newsletter – which you can sign up for here! And, heads up gallery representation at House of Spoils.
Having lived in South Africa, Nicaragua and New York City, Nikki is no stranger to going where the wind takes her, and happiest on a surfboard somewhere sunny. Side note: her Instagram is the most beautiful curation of photographic travel inspiration around, be prepared to day dream your way into booking a trip as you scroll.
Part of our Insiders series, this is your window into the worlds of the coolest people in Safara’s network. These are the contacts we’d hit up for travel inspiration, whether it’s a hotel recommendation, a new track for our in-transit playlist, the best mini-products to pack, or just to daydream about where we’d open a boutique island hotel (this changes with each Insider guide we read – we’re easily and happily influenced).
Read on for travel inspiration from Nikki Brand.
Name three of your favorite hotels?
Tribal Hotel, Granada, Nicaragua. This is a hotel you don’t need (or want to) leave. Incredible design, hospitality and food.
Deer Mountain Inn, Upstate New York, US. The quintessential NY Upstate experience. In-room fireplaces and really, really good food.
Under Canvas Zion, Utah, US. Located in the Zion National Park, you’re glamping, but in real luxury with real beds, with misters in the summer and a fireplace in the winter, under the stars.
Photo via Under Canvas
As a creative, what places do you find most inspiration for your work?
Places that are in nature. Those that are far removed (in location and familiarity) from everyday life. And places with a distinctive culture.
You travel a lot for work, was this something you were seeking in a career? How do you make it as relaxing and fun as possible?
I’ve shaped my work and career around the concept of freedom, and not being tied down by anything other than what’s intended. So if I want to go, I can go, and I hope that there’s a wifi connection at the other end. Being able to work remotely has definitely encouraged more travel, and having worked the last 10 years for myself, I find it easy to rework the daily schedule however necessary to make space for the good stuff.
What do you always bring with you in your carry-on?
Yes. I have, and I will continue to do so; it let’s you take your path to the places and people that are intended for you, in an unrestricted kind of way.
Best travel advice you’ve ever received?
Wear sunscreen, travel light, always know where your passport is. (Thanks, Mom.)
Do you have any tips or tricks for beating the dreaded jet lag?
Get out in the sun as soon as possible – it’s a natural reset.
Travel can be about the little luxuries, like an amazing cup of coffee. Where was the best one you’ve had?
Dayami Candebat hails from Hamburg, and lives between there and London. She considers herself to have the dream job, as an international model and mental health advocate. She’s also one of the best in the business for beauty tips. Her Instagram bio reads ‘skincare and travel aficionada’, enough said.
Part of our Five Reasons series, here you’ll find the most local of tips – from unique hotels to small businesses and secret spots (we trust you to keep these on the DL). Because, we firmly believe there’s no better way to get to know a place than when guided by someone who knows it best.
Read on for Dayami’s favorite places to eat, drink, stay, and shop in Hamburg.
Name: Dayami Candebat
Home: Eimsbüttel, Hamburg
From: Hamburg
Job: Digital project lead, turned international model, and mental health and body positivity advocate
One of my favorite places to eat breakfast is Marie. They have the best pancakes and also serve a lovely lunch with seasonal and local products. If you go for the pancakes, try the crunchy banana or blueberry versions. And, don’t underestimate the portions.
Trattoria Calabria is a hidden gem in Hamburg. It’s a small Italian restaurant run by Matteo and Leo, who use the freshest produce for their dishes. I love the homemade scampi pasta! If you want to support an amazing small business and try some delicious pasta, add them to your list.
The Chug Club is located in the Red Light district of Hamburg. And, as the name says, they serve ‘chugs’ – tequila-based mini cocktails. The atmosphere is speakeasy vibes and I would definitely go for the six-course mini cocktail tasting.
The boutique Hotel Das Kleine Grindel is one of Hamburg’s smallest hotels and located in the vibrant Grindel district. Housed in a restored workshop dating from the first half of the 19th century, the two rooms offer all possible comforts. If you’re looking for a cozy spot with everything in Hamburg close by, this is the perfect stay.
Vau Hamburg is located in Eppendorf and carries an exciting variety of Hamburg-designed products, but also internationally renowned brands like Acne and Samsoe&Samsoe. The Eppendorfer Baum (street) is always worth a stroll.
The thing to do
BOOM BÄNG NAMASTE is a newly founded yoga studio, where the music is just as powerful as the yoga You can flow from hip hop to techno. Its always nice to chat with Laura, the owner, who travels all over the world to broaden the experiences at her yoga studio with classes like sound baths.
Located in the heart of the red-light district the Affenfaust Galerie is a forum for contemporary art, curating young and established artists. If you stroll around town, you will also find street art on the walls from their collaborations.
Despite a surname that suggests otherwise, Eli London, is a New Yorker. He’s now based in the lively barrio of Roma, Mexico City (Vogue have called it ‘the Williamsburg of Mexico City’), and publishes a weekly roundup newsletter, The Breads. Oh, and he’s an awesome writer and photographer.
Part of our Five Reasons series, here you’ll find the most local of tips – from unique hotels to small businesses and secret spots (we trust you to keep these on the DL). Because, we firmly believe there’s no better way to get to know a place than when guided by someone who knows it best.
Read on for Eli’s favorite places to eat, drink, stay, and shop in Roma, Mexico City.
Mexico City is full of delicious food, from street stalls to top-ranked restaurant in the world. Expendio de Maiz sin Nombre straddles that line perfectly. It’s next to super popular late-night spot Paramo, but is only open until late afternoon. When you arrive, you’ll find a kitchen completely open to the street and two large communal tables. There is no menu at all. You tell them what you’re allergic to and what you hate and the chefs send out corn-based dishes one at a time until you’re full. It’s high-end cuisine, without being stuffy or overly run by tourists.
On Colima Street, where countless vintage shops call home, Erre Vintage has a great selection of highly curated vintage clothing. Think band tees, sports jerseys, bad-ass jackets and more. It’s one of the rare vintage spots in Mexico City that has just as good of a selection of menswear as womenswear. Plus much better prices compared to what you would find for comparable items in US vintage hot spots like New York or LA.
The nightlife
It’s only open on weekends, but Departamento is one of the best spots in the city to see DJ sets of all genres. It’s vibey, but not try-hard, and movers and shakers from the creative scene often find themselves at Departamento late night. Get there on the early side, because lines do happen.
A rather small hotel with less than a dozen rooms, Casa Goliana is perfectly located to easily get around La Roma and Condesa on foot, or quickly get to other parts of the city on the metro or in a car. The crowd is more vacationing couples and hipper business people than young party-goers, which is a good thing in my opinion. It’s impeccably decorated and cozy.
The bar
Bacal is a natural wine bar opened by a Frenchman in south Roma, with a large selection of wines from all over. It’s a rather unique experience because just like Expendio there is no set menu. It’s often just buffet-style healthy and nutritious foods, and pay what you want. However, on Saturdays they have guest chefs who plate out a set menu. The clientele is often a mix of ex-pat writers, creators, and entrepreneurs, with local Mexicans in the same circles mixed in.
When talking to our Insiders and the Safara travel community, the subject of travel books always comes up. What are you currently reading? What’s the best travel book you’ve ever read? How many books do you try to cram into your case? Kindle or paperback?
Travel writing is our gateway to other experiences, journeys, countries, places. It allows us to travel, wherever we’re based. Below are just a few of the travel writers and travel books that come up often in the conversations we have about reading and traveling.
From Hemingway to Bill Bryson, Joan Didion to A. A. Gill, these are the travel stories our Insiders love to get lost in.
“His acerbic writing style speaks to me more than most. He traveled far and wide, writing about some notoriously dull and difficult places and yet always found a story, because, there always is one. Even where I don’t agree with his opinions I find his absolute conviction compelling.” – Louis Sheridan
“They’re well curated and cater to travelers like me, who want to hit up all the newest and coolest (slightly off the beaten path) hot spots.” – Sabrina Meier
“The story itself is based on a small cabin, which was built for the purpose of experiencing ‘the lightning field’ as the sky and landscape change throughout the day. You can visit alone or in a small group – and with no cell service for miles, you’d better make sure it’s people you like. More importantly, it’s a magical place for introspection and appreciation of the artwork and the beautiful high desert of New Mexico.” –Kimiko Ninomiya
“Hemingway always reminds me of my Dad, who was my favorite travel partner, so A Moveable Feast would have to be one. Another is Donna Tartt’s A Secret History, which I read while traveling between Shelter Island, CA, and NYC. I’m a little late to this one, but I am a huge fan of her writing and this book is definitely one you can get lost in during those hours in transit.” – Georgia Zeavin
“He makes a compelling case for why you should not wait to travel until you’re retired or you’ve saved ‘enough’ money – if you really want to travel, make it a true priority now. Take the money you’d otherwise spend on a few dinners or fancy jeans and buy a plane ticket instead. This philosophy really inspired me to change my career path and, in fact, my entire lifestyle.” – Christina Perez
“I’ll name my own book, The Bright Continent, which is an investigation of technology and development in Africa. I reported it across 17 countries in two years, and while it covers meaty issues like education, health care and finance in Africa, it’s also a contemporary travelogue that brings back memories of some of the most unusual and fascinating places I’ve been.” – Daya Olopade
“For her packing list on page 34 and her devastating essay on Hawaii. Among newer works, I’m obsessed with Flights by Olga Tokarczuk for her beyond-inventive descriptions of airports and travel-sized toiletries.” – Amelia Mularz
Travel has been part of Emilie Hawtin’s life and career for quite some time, and it’s that way by design rather than chance. A New Yorker at heart, she’s worked in fashion for most of her career as a copywriter, strategist and all-round creative thinker for brands including Belstaff, Carolina Herrera, Jason Wu, Atelier Bomba and Mr Porter. In 2021, she’s become Editorial Director for beloved American brand, J. Crew.
Emilie’s creative heart lies in menswear, demonstrated by her own personal style – think chic sports coats and an infinite collection of neck scarfs – and her committed attendance at Pitti Uomo every year. She’s our go-to woman for trip planning resources, tips on the best remote offices and hotel picks.
Part of our Insiders series, this is your window into the worlds of the coolest people in Safara’s network. These are the contacts we’d hit up for travel inspiration, whether it’s a hotel recommendation, a new track for our in-transit playlist, the best mini-products to pack, or just to daydream about where we’d open a boutique island hotel (this changes with each Insider guide we read – we’re easily and happily influenced).
Duc de Saint-Simon, Paris. A celebration of chintz in Paris on a sweet little street. I love how fresh and elegant it feels.
Borgo San Felice, Tuscany. In a small town of its own, everything here feels quiet, peaceful and personal.
Deetjens Big Sur Inn, California. I love this place for the worn-in, salt-of-the-earth feeling that epitomises Big Sur.
Tell us about a place and hotel that’s next on your wish list?
I want to ride horses! I’m heading to Buenos Aires and have a feeling I’ll want to return to one of the small estancias or Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch, where my boyfriend likes to fish.
What is the one item you can’t travel without?
Scarves and bandanas. I end up wearing the same thing most of the time, but these change things up. In the summer, a bandana in the hair addresses sweat, sea and sun. I also use them on planes as a full-faced sleeping mask. It’s a collection that takes up little space and I can justify!
What is the best hotel amenity you’ve ever encountered?
Fresh exotic flowers in the shower at the Aman in Cambodia. It’s not a useful amenity, but felt special. Also, hotels whose staff know and remember your name, a rarity that means the world.
What hotel room design element can you not live without?
Big windows that open, natural light, and soundproof walls.
What are your favorite “offices” while traveling?
I like going to a local library when I’m in Europe, sometimes you have to get a library card like at Bibliothèque Mazarine in Paris or ask very nicely. But there’s something grand and very sweet about being in a library that I enjoy much more than working from say, The Bowery Hotel lobby. You feel more connected to the place you’re in.
Where would you go for a digital detox or just generally to get off the grid?
If I’m going somewhere close, upstate NY is great for lack of phone service. I go to Italy, Florence usually, when I want to be off the grid – even though it’s on the grid, I lay low and can just be. Or I go hiking, camping, horse riding, surfing, or to Montauk in the offseason when it’s empty. I feel the happiest in nature or in a sleepier foreign city.
You travel for work, a lot. How did you get into doing what you do? What advice would you give someone who wants to travel to be a key part of their job?
Travel keeps me interested and excited about everything else. I’ve worked to position myself to travel in a sustainable way. For me, it takes a certain structure and doesn’t always go the way you’d like. I’m usually working when I travel: on trains, on planes, on nice days in places I don’t feel like doing work in. I consider it part of how I’m able to be there, which is what keeps me disciplined. I’ll go work outside, or explore in the morning, then work in the afternoon.
I’m always grateful to have the work and a career that allows flexibility more often than not. Travel informs the way I think. There’s so much to learn and spending real time in places is humbling and expanding, it makes me a better person.
What do you always bring with you in your carry-on?
Well, the bandanas for starters. Sunglasses, something to bundle as a pillow – which has been a sport coat lately – Laundress travel soap to hand-wash clothes, melatonin, and water.
If you could swap suitcases with anyone in the world (alive or dead) at baggage claim, who would you swap with?
Oh lord. I think Bryan Ferry’s kit would be interesting.
Have you or would you travel alone?
I travel alone a lot. As much as I enjoy being with someone else, namely my boyfriend who I travel with the most, I think it’s really interesting and important to understand how you are in a place when you’re simply with yourself. It teaches you.
If you’re going to a new place, and your friends have not been there, what do you consult for advice?
^I do tons of research and make lists. I’ll research the titles I trust and then I’ll research a lot more. Condé Nast has always a good resource but times are changing. I like guides by people whose taste I trust, personal things. Magazines like Yolo Journal,NYT, and Sometimes. I have about 47 folders on Instagram, but I don’t end up using them all that much.
What was your favorite room service experience ever?
I had a mandolin delivered to me on a train in Malaysia and the piano player started playing Moon River. I performed, terribly, for the train.
Best travel advice you’ve ever received?
The fastest road to jet lag recovery is being active the moment you arrive, if only for 20 minutes. Repeat outfits and bring few. And make an effort to understand and respect the culture you’re in, not expect people to bend to what you’re used to or expect. Make an effort to speak even a little of the language and tip well at places you’d like to return to. Those are collected insights.
Travel can be about the little luxuries, like an amazing cup of coffee or dinner. Where was the best one you’ve had?
At the home of my friend Silvio in Tuscany. He is an incredible biodynamic winemaker and makes the freshest, homemade food, from bread to wine to meat, in what has become my favorite kitchen. It’s natural, stylish, calm, warm and inviting – the most important qualities in just about anything.
What is your favorite travel book or magazine?
YoloJournal, for its personal insights and off-the-beaten-path places from the most tasteful people around the world.
What’s your go-to outfit for getting through security quickly, and still looking good?
A sport coat, trousers, velvet slippers, and a scarf.
IIf you could quit your job and follow the Mamma Mia dream (ie. open a small hotel in another country or on a remote island), where would it be?
I’m pretty sure it would not surprise anyone if I did. In Italy, if I could figure out the tax system and politics.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve purchased abroad and brought home (or tried to carry-on) from your travels?
Copper pots and pans, and wooden cutting boards – nothing crazy, but a lot of heavy things.
You have an hour to spare at the airport. What would you be doing?
Reading at a closed gate or in a lounge.
Beach, city or mountains?
All three.
Fantasy mini bar/fridge item?
Kombucha to combat everything else.
Early check-in or late check-out?
Late check out, usually.
Favorite subscription service you’ll never delete?
I forget life before Spotify.
Favorite travel app?
Hopper.
Yoga or hotel gym?
Yoga, especially in a foreign language or on-demand with YogaVida.
How many ‘creative matchmakers’ have you met before? Well, allow us to introduce you to Deanne Moser. She’s the founder of DM Public, Canada’s only cultural communications firm that inspires connections between people, ideas and places in the arts and culture space. A pretty cool M.O.
Alongside matchmaking, Deanne is also an art consultant, a board member for Luminato Festival Toronto, Co-Chair for the Art Gallery of Ontario young patron fundraiser, Co-Chair for Creative Current, and a committee member for Canadian Art Foundation and Art Toronto Opening Night. So, when it comes to travel, it’s no surprise that exploring places via art is her favorite thing to do.
Part of our Insiders series, this is your window into the worlds of the coolest people in Safara’s network. These are the contacts we’d hit up for travel inspiration, whether it’s a hotel recommendation, a new track for our in-transit playlist, the best mini-products to pack, or just to daydream about where we’d open a boutique island hotel (this changes with each Insider guide we read – we’re easily and happily influenced).
El Cosmico, Marfa, Texas. Marfa is a 2,000 person art town in the middle of nowhere and El Cosmico is just as crazy as the town. Think colorful airstreams, yurts, and outdoor showers. The place screams of personality.
Fogo Island Inn, Fogo, Canada. If you want to go off the grid and unplug, this is probably one of the nicest hotels to do it in.
Casa Kimberly, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. There is something very romantic about staying in the former home of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
Tell us about a hotel that’s on your to-do list?
Chateau La Coste in Provence, which is basically my idea of an all-inclusive. The art, the food, the wine, the design, the views – everything I want, all in one place.
What is the one item you can’t travel without?
My Away Suitcase – I really like the USB phone charger that is always there when you need it.
What is the best hotel amenity you’ve ever encountered?
Good customer service – because no chocolate on the pillow can replace kind humans.
What are your favorite “offices” while traveling?
Soho House, especially during art fairs like Basel Miami and Frieze. I hate asking for a wifi password, so I really appreciate the auto-connect in all cities and countries. And, obviously, the after-work offerings like the infamous Miami Beach tent is always a plus.
When you travel for work, how do make sure you take time to see the city?
I make it a priority to slip into a museum or gallery exhibition, even if it’s just for an hour. You can buy a timed exhibition ticket and put it in your calendar like a meeting so it forces you to go.
If you could swap suitcases with anyone in the world at baggage claim, who would it be?
Lauren Santo Domingo. I think her style is perfect and I love how she includes new and upcoming fashion designers on Moda Operandi from all over the world.
Best travel advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t bring back packaged prescription drugs that you do not have a prescription for, especially if you have a government-issued fast-track card. Hot tip coming from Daniel Rechtshaffen, my friend and criminal defence lawyer.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve purchased abroad and brought home (or tried to carry-on) from your travels?
Two vertical, wood-slat panel oil paintings and a paper/acrylic canvas collage from Havana, Cuba, gifted to me by Richard Branson. Getting original art out of a country can be a challenging process.
